analogous to the former

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "analogous to the former" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when drawing a comparison between two things, indicating that one is similar to the other previously mentioned. Example: "The new policy is analogous to the former regulations that were in place last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The latter is treated as analogous to the former (Stout 1889: 448).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The former case is analogous to the Au clusters being assembled as lamellae and then rolled up as Au micro- and nano-tubes [12].

Nanoscale Research Letters

The former mutation is analogous to the mutation T315I in ABL and the mutation T790M in EGFR, where the original amino acid moiety was replaced with a bulky one to interfere with the binding of an inhibitor.

Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B

This library was processed in an analogous way to the former.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics

In the former case, we transform the equations such that the system becomes analogous to the Mathieu differential equation.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience

This series was analogous to the Yankees' entire season.

The New York Times - Sports

The family is analogous to the state in this way.

The Guardian - Opinion

Neither is particularly analogous to the current race.

The New York Times

The logic is also unlikely to be analogous to the truth.

The New Yorker

The process is analogous to the new-model I.P.O.: forget the experts; go with the crowd.

The New Yorker

The speed and the range of the movie are analogous to the way the disease spreads.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "analogous to the former", ensure that the relationship you're drawing is clear and that the reader has a good understanding of the "former" element. This ensures the analogy is effective.

Common error

Avoid assuming that readers will automatically grasp the connection between the two elements being compared. Provide sufficient context to make the analogy clear and meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "analogous to the former" acts as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by describing its relationship to a previously mentioned item. It indicates a similarity or comparability. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "analogous to the former" is a grammatically correct and usable expression employed to draw comparisons between two elements, indicating that one shares similarities with the previously mentioned one. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to ensure clarity in its usage by providing sufficient context about the "former" element. Common contexts include science, news, and encyclopedias, suggesting a neutral to formal register. Alternatives include phrases like "similar to the first" or "akin to the previous one". The phrase is relatively uncommon, but when used correctly, it enhances understanding by leveraging existing knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

similar to the first

Replaces "analogous" with a more common synonym, emphasizing a general likeness.

akin to the previous one

Uses "akin" to suggest a closer, more inherent similarity.

comparable to the initial

Emphasizes that the items can be compared, highlighting their shared attributes.

resembling the prior

Focuses on visual or superficial similarities.

like the one before

Offers a simpler, more informal way to express similarity.

corresponding to the earlier

Suggests a direct, reciprocal relationship or match.

matching the original

Highlights an exact or very close agreement.

equivalent to the starting

Indicates that the two items are functionally the same.

in line with the leading

Implies that the current item follows the direction or trend of the former.

paralleling the initial

Stresses a side-by-side comparison, where both items develop or exist together in a similar way.

FAQs

What does "analogous to the former" mean?

The phrase "analogous to the former" means that something is similar or comparable to something that was previously mentioned or discussed. It implies a parallel or resemblance in certain aspects.

How can I use "analogous to the former" in a sentence?

You can use "analogous to the former" to draw a comparison between two things, indicating that the second one shares similarities with the first one mentioned. For instance, "The new policy is "analogous to the former" regulations that were in place last year."

What can I say instead of "analogous to the former"?

You can use alternatives like "similar to the first" or "akin to the previous one" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "analogous to the former"?

While not inherently redundant, ensure clarity. The effectiveness of ""analogous to the former"" depends on the reader's clear understanding of what "the former" refers to. If there's any ambiguity, it's best to be more explicit.